The Coleman Foundation Awards 2-Year Grant for Career Services

Search is pleased to announce a new, 2-year $135,000 investment by The Coleman Foundation in Career Services at the Planet Access Company (PAC).  The goal of this initiative is to expand competitive employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities both within the walls of Search's Planet Access Company Warehouse and through partnership with local businesses.

Under Phase I of Career Services at PAC, Search successfully integrated the PAC workforce so that people with disabilities comprise approximately 28% of the permanent workforce.  In Phase II, additional individuals will have opportunities for competitive employment, advancement and for expanded roles within the warehouse and at community-based businesses.  Phase II will also include the continued expansion of the PAC Warehouse Training program for students in high school transition programs.  The program provides hands-on work experience and skills development to help participants obtain employment when they are ready to enter the job market. 

Finally, we are especially excited to share that this work will include data collection and evaluation to help "make the business case" for the employment of individuals with developmental disabilities based on the successful integration of the workforce at the Planet Access Company.  Stay tuned for updates on this exciting new project!